It was a morning of nostalgia, camaraderie, and legacy as hundreds of alumni of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, converged at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja for the highly anticipated “Walk to Meet” initiative organized by the Abuja Branch of the ABU Alumni Association.
Clad in branded shirts, caps, and radiant smiles, the crowd, both young and senior alumni, took to the streets in a unity walk that was less about fitness and more about rekindling the cherished memories of Nigeria’s premier northern university. The event, which was part of broader efforts to foster intergenerational bonding and strengthen alumni networks, saw men and women from all walks of life reliving the glories of their campus days.
But the undisputed highlight of the gathering was the emotional unveiling of Dr. Danjuma Sulai, a proud member of the 1973 pioneer set of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, who emerged as the “ABUSITE of the Day.”
Dr. Sulai, the current Medical Director and CEO of G&S Specialist Clinic, stood tall—both in history and presence—as the oldest alumnus at the event. His walk, steady and dignified, drew admiration from the younger generation, many of whom couldn’t hide their excitement at meeting a living embodiment of ABU’s storied past.
“Dr. Sulai is not just a doctor; he is a monument to the legacy of ABU,” said the branch chairman during the presentation. “He represents the bridge between where we started and where we are headed. His dedication to medicine and to this institution inspires us all.”
In recognition of his agility, historical significance, and institutional memory, the alumni community fittingly honoured him as “ABUSITE of the Day.” The citation drew standing applause, with many capturing the moment on their phones, eager to etch the image of a living legend into the canvas of memory.
Adding institutional gravitas to the day was the presence of the Worldwide President of the ABU Alumni Association, Dr. Mamman Kontagora, who led the national executives to the event. Dr. Kontagora commended the Abuja branch for sustaining the tradition of togetherness and for celebrating the past while investing in the future.
“This walk is more than a ritual. It is a reminder that wherever we go, we carry the spirit of ABU within us. We are not just alumni; we are a family bonded by history, excellence, and the mission to give back,” Kontagora said in his remarks.
The event culminated in light refreshments, group photographs, and plans for mentoring programs where older alumni like Dr. Sulai would interact more frequently with younger professionals and students.
As the sun rose over Abuja, the legacy of Ahmadu Bello University shone brighter—not just in the steps taken during the walk, but in the memories reignited, the bonds renewed, and the legacy celebrated through one of its oldest torchbearers, Dr. Danjuma Sulai.
***Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice is the spokesperson for the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Alumni Association Abuja Branch
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